Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur arriving now

At this most festive time of the year, many of us are preparing to welcome family and friends throughout the season. In Decatur, party prep began many months ago to welcome the annual 10,000-25,000 cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, arriving now.

Mostly sandhill cranes with several pairs of rare whooping cranes typically arrive in noticeable numbers at Wheeler NWR around mid-November. This year, the first cranes started arriving on Oct. 28, according to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association.

We have several special events and announcements to share as the crane migration season kicks off in the River City.

Meet the Flock at The Mallard on Saturday, Nov. 8

To celebrate the cranes’ arrival, bring your kids to meet some of their larger-than-life counterparts at The Mallard Coffee Company on Saturday, Nov. 8, for “Meet the Flock.”

The event will feature meet-and-greets with North Alabama bird mascots, including sandhill crane Ms. River from Decatur Morgan County Tourism, whooping crane Hope from the International Crane Foundation, Puddles the Blue Goose from the National Wildlife Refuge System, Cal the Warhawk from Calhoun Community College, and some of their fellow feathered friends.

📍Where: The Mallard Coffee Company, 14 Lee St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601
⌚️When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2-4PM

Crane facts + viewing tips this season

While you’ll see sandhill cranes across Alabama this time of year, by far the largest gathering is in Decatur at Wheeler NWR. They typically stick around until early to mid-February. Throughout these months, people also flock to the refuge to see them, enjoying close views from an observation building and other dedicated viewing areas.

Here are more facts and helpful things to know to plan your visit:

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service established Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in 1938 as a haven for migratory birds, including ducks, geese + cranes.
• You’ll see the largest numbers of them in late December and early January.
• The endangered whooping cranes were introduced here in 2004.
• You can see the cranes best from the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center grounds, trails + blinds, with midday usually best to see peak numbers during peak weeks.
• Bring binoculars or a telescope, if you have them. While the observation building has some, it can get busy in there.

📍Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3121 Visitors Center Rd, Decatur, AL 35603
⌚️When: November through February, daily, 9AM-5PM
👩‍💻More Info: Website | Facebook

Peak season party: 15th Annual Festival of the Cranes

At the height of the cranes’ congregation, the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association (WWRA) and its partners welcome residents and visitors to a three-day Festival of the Cranes that just gets bigger and better every season.

Now in its 15th year, the festival’s 2026 edition is set for Jan. 9-11. This year’s event kicks off on that Friday with a midday meet and greet event with ICF mascot Hope at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, followed by a late afternoon story time with Hope nearby at the Decatur Public Library and a show by The Cleverlys at The Princes Theater that night.

Saturday is an all-day affair from morning through late afternoon, packed with fascinating and fun nature and art presentations and hands-on activities at The Princess Theatre, across the street at the Alabama Center for the Arts, Decatur Public Library and Cook Museum of Natural Science (read on for more details about CMNS activities, including FREE admission that day!)

Sunday’s programming begins mid-morning at the ACA and continues there and at The Princess until late afternoon.

👉 For more information, a complete schedule + lodging options, check out www.VisitDecaturAL.org/FOC26.

Free admission to the Cook Museum of Natural Science on Jan. 10

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is bringing some whooping crane big-bird energy to the festival, offering free admission for all on Saturday during the festival and a special event for four hours on that same day.

“Wild About Whoopers” event programming will include:

👯 Crane Dance Party
🪶 Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot presentations
👩‍🏫 Programming from experts about nature, writing + art
😲 Admission to museum exhibits all day on that Saturday will be free
🎟️ Some programs may require a ticket

Cook Museum of Natural Science

• Where: 133 4th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
• When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, 10AM-2PM (Wild About Whoopers event) | 9AM-5PM (regular hours) |
• More Info: Website | Facebook

Stay in the know about what’s new and happening in and around Huntsville! Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest takes summarized + delivered straight to your inbox.